Small Steps.

Daughter Hawthorne came home Saturday afternoon. With Giada and Dogwood in tow. Thank you, Daughter Hawthorne. You knew just what Mama Nana needed. Giada gently woke me up Sunday morning around 6:30 am by licking my legs. Run time. I couldn't run. I walked. Dejectedly. Head down. Then I saw two of Dixie's friends ahead of us - those two little Neurotic Schnauzers. I offered my story to the schnauzer owners, got a nice hug, and we were on our way. The whole time I walked, I kept turning back to look for Dixie. Old habits die hard. She was never on a leash. She always followed us. And when she needed to interject, she certainly would. Whenever Giada and Junior acted inappropriately, Dixie would trot up from the rear and get right in the offending canine's face (either Giada or Junior) and would stay in the dog's face, barking, until said dog discontinued said activity. She was quite the disciplinarian. Dixie ruled!